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softgalaxy's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
This was a good story overall, but for me, it felt disjointed. I feel like it was rushed overall. I think I would have enjoyed this more if it was longer.
I really liked Sausun as a character. She really shook things up for Janna. Tatiyana was kinda frustrating at times, but I remember being a teenager and being kinda obsessed with romance, so in case she was well written.
I’m really glad Janna got the justice she wanted.
I really liked Sausun as a character. She really shook things up for Janna. Tatiyana was kinda frustrating at times, but I remember being a teenager and being kinda obsessed with romance, so in case she was well written.
I’m really glad Janna got the justice she wanted.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape
Moderate: Sexual violence, Sexual harassment, Physical abuse, Religious bigotry, Domestic abuse, Gaslighting, Stalking, Body shaming, Death, Bullying, Emotional abuse, Islamophobia, Sexism, and Grief
Minor: Car accident
aformeracceleratedreader's review against another edition
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
Didn't love this one but didn't hate it. Loved the diversity in showing Muslims that aren't just Arab- Janna and her brother are ethnically Egyptian and Indian, which is nice as a fellow mixed kid who grew up Muslim. Also liked seeing Janna's growth and her reclaiming her power. It does mention sexual assault and instances of seeing the abuser/being constantly in the same community events/gatherings/spaces. It also mentions the abuser following Janna and taking pictures of her to use against her so be aware of that.
My main thing is I wish there were consequences for the abuser mentioned in the book. It felt like a rushed conclusion.
My main thing is I wish there were consequences for the abuser mentioned in the book. It felt like a rushed conclusion.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Sexual assault, Death, Sexual harassment, Islamophobia, Bullying, Rape, and Misogyny
Moderate: Gaslighting
Minor: Alcohol and Infidelity
aishallnot's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
A solid three stars (could be 3.5 but I'm settling on three for now).
Ultimately, this book was okay.
We have our main character Janna, who is a typical Muslim-American teenager with her issues. We see her go through troubles with family, having a crush, and someone from her mosque attempting to sexually assault her. Ali really knows how to bring tough conversations within the Muslim community into a story and I applaud her for that. After reading her other books, it's clear that her characters have a strong sense of justice and speaking up when its right which reflects Ali's beliefs. As someone who was once a teen, I deeply relate to these characters.
What fell short for me at times while reading was the plot. I felt like there were a lot of plot points and to me, there wasn't much of a clear focus of what the story could be about bc a lot happens in the book. Even with the many storylines in the book, there were some, if not all that I thought could have been explored more. For example, her family and how Janna's relationship with her parents and brother have changed since the divorce. I think that might be explored in the second book. I also had issues with the pacing, especially toward the end. The story felt rushed and I didn't feel as though the conflict was fully resolved between Janna and the community member who assaulted her.
Despite my feelings about this book, I do appreciate SK. Ali as an author (Muslim one at that) and how she handles such topics. I have been on a journey of reading Ali's books throughout the year and I've craved to read more Muslim stories, especially in YA. Something about that feeling is a bit nostalgic for some reason bc it reminds me of the beauty of Islam and why I'm Muslim. I know the phrase "I wish I had this book when I was young" is used a lot, but for a good reason. I do want to read the sequel hopefully within the new year.
Ultimately, this book was okay.
We have our main character Janna, who is a typical Muslim-American teenager with her issues. We see her go through troubles with family, having a crush, and someone from her mosque attempting to sexually assault her. Ali really knows how to bring tough conversations within the Muslim community into a story and I applaud her for that. After reading her other books, it's clear that her characters have a strong sense of justice and speaking up when its right which reflects Ali's beliefs. As someone who was once a teen, I deeply relate to these characters.
What fell short for me at times while reading was the plot. I felt like there were a lot of plot points and to me, there wasn't much of a clear focus of what the story could be about bc a lot happens in the book. Even with the many storylines in the book, there were some, if not all that I thought could have been explored more. For example, her family and how Janna's relationship with her parents and brother have changed since the divorce. I think that might be explored in the second book. I also had issues with the pacing, especially toward the end. The story felt rushed and I didn't feel as though the conflict was fully resolved between Janna and the community member who assaulted her.
Despite my feelings about this book, I do appreciate SK. Ali as an author (Muslim one at that) and how she handles such topics. I have been on a journey of reading Ali's books throughout the year and I've craved to read more Muslim stories, especially in YA. Something about that feeling is a bit nostalgic for some reason bc it reminds me of the beauty of Islam and why I'm Muslim. I know the phrase "I wish I had this book when I was young" is used a lot, but for a good reason. I do want to read the sequel hopefully within the new year.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault
Minor: Death and Islamophobia
kaybeehome's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
The plot picked up pace after the second or third chapter.
Good ending, but I wanted to see more ofSarah's backstory. I also expected more climactic ways to kill off Jeremy and Farooq's characters. I feel like so many things are left unexplained, especially between Janna and Jeremy. With Farooq... I honestly wanted a fight to happen. I wanted him to get beat up! LOL.
Good ending, but I wanted to see more of
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault
Moderate: Death
bookmarkedbylauren's review against another edition
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape and Death
space_bandit's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, and Death
thedisabledreader's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Toxic friendship, Grief, and Death
coffeeatthebeachwoodcafe's review
emotional
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
this book is really good! there were some parts where it personally didn’t feel as developed as i wanted it to and the plot was a little bit confusing in the beginning, but i honestly really loved it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Death, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Islamophobia
emmykyhil's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape, Sexual assault, and Islamophobia
Minor: Death and Gaslighting
kalzeb's review
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault
Minor: Death